Sneezing may occasionally need to be induced. While there are several ways to do this, not all will be effective for everyone.
It can be frustrating if you frequently get a tickle in your nose and cannot sneeze whenever you want to. Your body sneezes to clear your nasal passages of debris, irritants, germs, and other particles. Since it is an automatic response, it will only occur when necessary.
How can you induce sneezing in this circumstance? There are various techniques to force oneself to sneeze, so don't worry. This article will look at several natural techniques on how to make yourself sneeze quickly.
How To Make Yourself Sneeze: 15 Safe and Natural Ways
Here are some safe and natural tips to induce sneezing:
1. Utilize a tissue to "tickle" your nose
Make a tissue point by twisting one of the sides. To "tickle" the inside of your nose, carefully insert the tissue inside one nostril and move it back and forth. Some people advise humming while moving the tissue to create more effect.
The trigeminal nerve, also known as the nerve that alerts your brain when it's time to sneeze, is stimulated by this technique.
Be careful when doing this since you don't want to insert the tissue too deeply.
2. Look towards the light
Some people only need strong light to start sneezing.
This inherited sneeze-starting feature, also known as photic sneezing or, more accurately, autosomal dominant compulsive helio-ophthalmic outbursts, affects around one-third of the population.
If you're one of the two-thirds of people lacking this quality, this approach is probably not right for you.
To make oneself sneeze, try glancing at a bright light abruptly. A brief period of eye closure might also be beneficial. Always be careful not to gaze directly at any light source to protect your eyes.
3. Massage your mouth's roof
Massage the roof of the mouth with your tongue to activate the trigeminal nerve, which runs through the roof of your mouth.
Move the tongue back and forth along your mouth's roof. Be patient: Since everyone has a different sneeze place, you may need to experiment with where to massage, the amount of pressure to use, and how long it should take.
4. Sniff a strong fragrance
Some fragrances, such as strong colognes and perfumes, can make individuals sneeze. According to a 2019 survey, 32.2% of persons are sensitive to fragranced goods to some extent.
Spray a strong smell into the air to stimulate the nasal lining to test this. Never spray scent straight into the nostril or inhale perfume particles directly.
5. Tweeze those brows
Get your sneeze on and maintain perfect brows.
Your nasal nerve crosses your eyebrows. Plucking brow hair may aggravate facial nerves and activate the nasal nerve, resulting in sneezing.
While it often happens instantly, you might need to lose a few more hairs before sneezing.
6. Pluck a nose hair
You could be harmed if you do that.
Your nose's interior lining is delicate; therefore, plucking out a nose hair is not a pleasant experience. However, it can cause a sneeze by activating the trigeminal nerve.
You should be gentle while plucking your hair.
7. Rub your nose
The trigeminal nerve may be stimulated by massaging the bridge of the nose, which can also assist the moisture in your nose drain.
Massage the bridge of the nose downward with firm yet gentle pressure with your fingertips. Continue rubbing your nose until you notice a tiny tickling there; this should make you sneeze.
It would help to experiment with this approach to acquire the desired outcomes because practice makes perfect.
8. Squeeze your nose's bridge
Some individuals discover that mildly pinching or squeezing the nose's bridge may also be beneficial. To induce a sneeze, try doing this while humming.
If you sense a sneeze coming on, release your hold on your nose immediately. If you don't release it, air may become trapped in your lungs, or worse still, you may rupture an eardrum.
9. Eat chocolate
Eating dark chocolate with a high cacao content is a delightful method to make you sneeze. It works best for those who don't eat often, although frequent chocolate lovers should know this.
Technically speaking, it is a photic sneeze reflex because it is uncertain what causes it to happen (other than the world wanting us to enjoy pleasant, chocolaty things). This is not believed to be related to allergies by scientists. According to theory, cocoa dust enters the nose and causes sneezing.
10. Get cool
The trigeminal nerve and the lining of the nasal passages are both activated by cold air, which can result in sneezing.
Step outdoors to take a few deep breaths to trigger a sneeze if it's chilly. Try turning on the air conditioner or opening the freezer and breathing in the cool air during the warmer months.
11. Use a feather
In addition to being common in animation, using a feather to tickle your nose may make you sneeze.
Enjoy the feeling of tickling the nose with a fake feather. Please don't use a genuine feather and use it for external stimulation; avoid putting it in your nose.
12. Spray a powerful fragrance
Strong fragrances and colognes, in particular, might irritate the nose and cause you to sneeze. Spray a potent aroma into the air as you unleash your inner sociableness.
Never spray something scented into your nose directly, and avoid breathing in the perfume particles. Instead, let the fragrance linger near you and do its job.
13. Chew on some gum
Double your enjoyment by forcing yourself to sneeze while chewing on mint-flavored candy or gum. Similar to spices, the strong flavor of mint can quickly cause your nose's delicate nerves to get irritated and cause you to sneeze.
14. Use warm water
Dip the nose into a small dish of warm water. Take a brief inhale of the water before tilting your head back. You need to sneeze because of the water droplets in the nostrils.
15. Smell spices
Nasal irritants include black pepper and other spices like coriander, cumin, and crushed red pepper. Piperine, a black and white pepper chemical, irritates the mucous membranes.
The natural ingredient in spicy peppers known as capsaicin can also trigger a sneeze.
If you want to make yourself sneeze, grind up some whole peppercorns or open a container of spices and take a little whiff.
Why do we sneeze? 5 Common Causes
Sneezing is a reflexive response that serves as a protective mechanism for your respiratory system. It occurs in response to irritants that enter your nasal passages, throat, or other parts of your airway.
Here's why we sneeze:
1. Irritant Removal:
The primary purpose of a sneeze is to expel irritants from your airway. When your body detects something irritating, such as dust, pollen, smoke, or even a strong odor, it triggers the sneeze reflex to forcefully expel these irritants from your nose and throat.
2. Clearing Allergens
Allergens like pollen, pet dander, or mold spores can trigger sneezing in individuals with allergies. Sneezing helps remove these allergens from your nasal passages, reducing irritation and congestion.
3. Infection Defense
Sneezing can also respond to viral or bacterial infections. It helps clear mucus and infectious particles from your airway, reducing the risk of further infection and promoting healing.
4. Refreshing the Airway
Sneezing can help clear and refresh the airway, especially if it feels stuffy nose or congested. It's like a quick reboot for your respiratory system.
5. Protecting the Lungs
Sneezing helps prevent foreign particles from reaching deeper into your respiratory system and lungs, which could lead to more serious health issues.
Also Read 15 Ways to Get Rid of Phlegm
Conclusion
Sneezing may occasionally need to be induced, and understanding how to make yourself sneeze can be helpful in such situations. While there are several ways to do this, not all will be effective for everyone. Everyone's sensitivity to trigeminal nerve stimulation and response to irritants varies. Whatever your justification, there can be a time when you have to force a sneeze. There are several ways to sneeze on demand, and different techniques will be effective for various people. Determine what functions best, and be gentle to prevent discomfort or harm.
Also Read: How To Stop Running Nose and Sneezing: 13 Home Remedies
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you trigger a sneeze?
To trigger a sneeze, look directly into a bright light or gently stimulate your nasal passages by tickling them with a tissue or by inhaling pepper.
Why do I feel like I need to sneeze but can't?
This is often due to irritants in your nasal passages that stimulate the sneeze reflex without allowing a complete expulsion of air, which can feel frustrating and uncomfortable.
What's the best way to sneeze?
Into your elbow or a tissue, covering your mouth and nose to prevent spreading germs.
What makes me sneeze so much?
Common triggers for frequent sneezing include allergies, dust, pollen, pet dander, sudden temperature changes, or a viral infection like the common cold.
Reviewed by
